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Kalli Cowles takes a free kick during her third season with the Huskies. (FIle photo/paNOW Staff)
Soccer Star

P.A.’s Cowles to make semi-pro debut on her birthday

May 5, 2019 | 4:00 PM

Kalli Cowles never thought she would play on a semi-pro team anywhere, let alone one in her home province of Saskatchewan.

But both of those will be true as Cowles is preparing to play Queen City United’s first ever game in the United Women’s Soccer League against the Calgary Foothills in Regina on May 26—the day that Cowles will turn 21.

“It’s definitely going to be something special,” Cowles said. “I never thought this would happen. Hopefully we get to win. Who likes to lose on their birthday?”

Cowles is in her third year at the University of Saskatchewan Huskies women’s soccer team after graduating from the Carlton Crusaders and PAYSA soccer teams.

The entire Huskies team were encouraged by their head coach Jerson Barandica-Hamilton to try out for Queen City United.

Cowles was one of five Huskies to make the club, as well as fellow Prince Albert product Payton Izsak. Izsak won the Huskies UofS female rookie of the year award for her debut season with the Huskies.

“It’s going to be awesome. Payton made a huge impact on our team this year, especially coming in as a rookie,” Cowles said. “I think both of us have that P.A. grit. It’s going to be fun to play together.”

“I couldn’t have been where I am today without my family. They follow me everywhere, even if that means freezing their butts off for a couple hours. I’m so happy I can share this experience with them.”

Cowles will find herself in the middle of the defence as a centre back for Queen City, the same position she played with the UofS this year. That’s a much different look than Cowles has had before. She played as a centre midfielder through most of her life, including her first two years with the Huskies.

But Cowles said she adapted quickly to the position change.

“I think centre backs need to have confidence in their role,” Cowles said. “I think it’s helped me a lot with that. I think when you have confidence, you play better. I was a defensive midfielder anyway and a central player. It wasn’t bad.”

Queen City United will then head back to Calgary on June 2 for their second game. They will also play the L.A. Galaxy, the Santa Clarita Blue Heat and the Colorado Pride across eight league games from May 26 until July 5.

jeff.dandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW